Consider the ice well and truly broken

ON SONG Mike Keating performing at Little Johnny Russells

MUSIC fans turned out in droves to make a huge success of a festival that celebrates the local scene.

Icebreaker, which was runner-up for the Best Event in last week’s WOW247 Awards, put 100 bands on in 10 venues around Southsea, including The Wedgewood Rooms, Little Johnny Russell’s, The Fat Fox and The Honest Politician.

Acts playing covered all kinds of genres and included Marley Blandford, The Aviators, Seething Akira, Foxer and Electric Arms.

This was only the festival’s second year, which saw it return in expanded form. Co-organiser Mike Hartley said: ‘We were quite surprised, but very chuffed and proud that we sold the day out.

SOLO SET Cutbush performing at AlBurrito

‘As this was our second year it was arguably more important than last year as we had to prove that we’re not just one-trick ponies and that it is something that can work.

‘Everywhere was rammed all day, whichever venue you went to, which was brilliant to see.

‘It 100 per cent proves that there is a scene in our city and by putting all this on in one day in one place, we’ve showed it works, and that people will come out and see it.’